In Loving Memory Of

Shiela Shields

Longtime Grande Prairie and Sexsmith resident, Shiela Shields, passed away peacefully, in her residence at Points West Living, Grande Prairie, on Monday, March 5, 2018, at the age of 89 years.

Shiela was born in Newcastle upon Tyne, England on June 18, 1928, to William and Mary Smith and grew up on the family homestead, one mile North of Grimshaw. In 1949, Shiela married Herb Shields and moved to Grande Prairie. Shiela and Herb had four children: Janice Haiste Shields, Brian (Charlain), Gerry (Brenda Honneysett) and Patrick (Patty).

Following a brief time living in Dawson Creek, the family moved to Sexsmith and took over the local general store. As the children grew up and demanded less of her time, Shiela worked at Shields Store and became increasingly involved in the local community. During her time working to support the family store, Shiela was actively involved in supporting Herb and his brother George as they worked through seemingly endless renovations and improvements, taking the store from an oil floored general store to a modern grocery and dry goods business. The family shares lots of fond memories of this time growing up in Sexsmith and working with Shiela and Herb in the store and in the community. Memories also focus a great deal on trips to Grimshaw to visit with Shiela's three sisters and their families.

Shiela had an infectious laugh and this was even more evident when she was with her sisters: Elsie and Ambrose Parenteau and family, Winnie and Leo Condrotte and family and Margaret and Jim Glenn and family. Great times were shared with the sisters and our cousins and the ringing laughter of the four sisters was a constant backdrop for our adventures.

Shiela was actively involved in many community groups and organizations throughout her life, including the ACW, Royal Purple, Ladies Auxiliary and various Golden Age clubs, singing groups and travel clubs. She valued the social connection and the many friendships that she formed. Through to the end, Shiela would always prefer being in the social gathering areas rather than being off by herself in her room. Definitely a very social person.

After Herb passed away in 1982, Shiela moved to Grande Prairie and worked for the Holroyd family at their business in downtown Grande Prairie and eventually at Lynn's Card Shop in the Prairie Mall. She was increasingly independent and very much a self-sufficient woman of the 80s and 90s, a great role model for her many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Shiela had opportunity to share her sharp wit and puzzling skills with the patrons and staff at three of Grande Prairie's excellent senior’s homes: Dieppe Manor, Wild Rose Manor, and most recently at Points West Living.

I would like to thank the staff and care givers at each of those institutions for the kindness, patience and support they have provided for Shiela.

Shiela was pre-deceased by her husband Herb, daughter Janice Haiste Shields, parents William and Mary Smith, grandson Ryan Haiste, two sisters Winnie Condrotte and Margaret Glenn and their spouses, as well as several nieces and nephews. There are many very welcoming faces waiting for her on the other side.

The greater Shields family has also always been a big part of Shiela's life and she valued and appreciated each of you, all of the in-laws and cousins twice removed. She was the keeper of the family tree and for that she will also be missed.

The Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, March 10, 2018, at 11:00am at Christ Church Anglican in Grande Prairie (9445 64th Ave). Interment will follow the service at the City of Grande Prairie Cemetery (84th Ave. and 112th St.). A light lunch and fellowship at Christ Church Anglican will follow the interment.